Mystery of the Myth Essay

A myth is a popular term which is commonly misused by people. Many people have tried to explain what a myth is, but due its fictitious nature it is not easy to explain what it is. The aim of this essay is to discuss this term, myth and investigate it in a deeper sense by revealing the complexity of the term and exploring the different meanings of the word. This will be done by distinguishing the different notions of myths, comparing the different uses of myths by Roland’s use of myths to that of Barthes and concluding by explaining how myths relate to religion and ideology. Examples in this essay will be drawn from the X-Files episode entitled, Quagmire.
Colin Grant in his book, Myths we live by explains that there are two prominent senses of myths. There is the personal sense, and the academic approach. He goes on to define a myth as something that is false, naïve, passé and a matter for the uninformed and gullible. This may be accepted as the academic approach to the definition of myth. On a personal sense, myths can be defined as stories that have been handed down from generation to generation and as a result are believed to be the truth. Grant goes on to add that a myth is a falsehood that is exposed as soon as its mythic nature is recognized.
There are three approaches of myths; a journalistic myth, scholarly myth and a living myth (Preston, 2010). The journalistic approach to myth is that a myth is to be exposed which in turn presumes that we do not notice it or see that it is false (Preston, 2010). Two features of this approach. One is that a journalistic myth ignores the wide influences and allegiances that shape our vision of truth. In the X-Files episode, despite the fact that there are people who actually do believe t...

... middle of paper ...

...e (Preston, 2010). This definition is similar to that of a myth because myths vary between different groups of people and cultures. Different cultures have different myths that they believe. Isaac Newton depicted the universe as a great machine and when he encountered a problem with his calculations in the observed moments of the planets, he concluded that God steps in from time to time to readjust the orbits to keep things running smoothly (Grant, 1998). Some people, for example scientists believe that the world was created by an explosion while some think that God created the world.
In conclusion, the idea of a myth is really diverse. They can be interpreted according to the three different approaches. Different cultures are accustomed to the myths they grew up with, and naturally it is a continuous chain that is passed down from generation to generation.

Click the button above to view the complete essay, speech, term paper, or research paper

Need Writing Help?

Essay on Mystery Cults in Graeco-Roman Society
- Mystery cults were a parallel across Greek and Roman society and were based upon many myths, including the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, myth of Dionysus and other Orphic Hymns. These mystery cults were centred around a belief that human beings have a soul and that belonging to a mystery cult can affect what will become of the soul after death. In essence, mystery cults promised initiates a better afterlife. With the terrifying myths associated with the realm of Hades and it’s divisions, citizens of ancient Greece had a great desire to better their afterlife and avoid going to Tartarus; the most horrifying level of the underworld.... [tags: mystery cults, orpheus, graeco roman]:: 5 Works Cited

Essay on The Mystery of the Bermuda Triangle
- The Bermuda Triangle, also known as the devils triangle, is an imaginary triangle that is to many a myth to others a huge mystery. From facts of methane gas bubbles to theories of AUTEC base, the huge mystery changes to a fact or fiction story. The Bermuda Triangle has been one of the most researched places on the planet; many people, including myself, want to know the truth behind the mystery. The Bermuda Triangle is one of the most mysterious places on Earth; however there are many theories behind this mystery, some including the government.... [tags: underwater wonder]:: 5 Works Cited

Essay on The Myth behind Miscletoe
- Maybe you have seen this plant during Christmas time. Couples kissing, under this leafy, pretty plant. You might even hear it mentioned in holiday songs and poems. The plant I am mentioning is mistletoe. The festive plant, mistletoe, is mostly known for a kissing tradition, however mistletoe has been very useful in medical events, cultures, and have affected various trees. Mistletoe has been extremely beneficial to medical science throughout the ages. It has been known to help cure or relieve epilepsy, hypertension, headaches, menopausal symptoms, infertility, arthritis, and rheumatism.... [tags: Christmas, decoration]:: 7 Works Cited

Jay Gatsby: The Mystery Essay example
- Jay Gatsby, aka James Gatz is the subject of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. Through the course of the novel, this enigmatic and powerful character, defined by his preceding reputation is gradually deconstructed and revealed to be a lovesick man, a hopeless romantic. Understanding this statement affirms the actions taken by Gatsby in the course of the story. Unfortunately his actions also lead to the demise of dream and one himself. In the larger spectrum Gatsby is seen as the archetypical self-made man under the microscope, scrutinized by a prod to unveil what’s beneath the layers of gold and green.... [tags: Character Analysis ]:: 1 Works Cited

Yeti, Myth or Not myth Essay
- YETIS, MONSTER OR MYTH. “Yetis are as pure and white as snow... Yetis have a soft side that they don’t show... Yeti this Yeti that, Yetis rule and u know that” - Capt. Terpin Timins Introduction: Yetis are creatures supposedly created from myth and fiction. They are large tempestuous creatures. Yetis can be classified in the same family as the Sasquatch and Big Foot. Many people believe that Yetis aren't real and are illusions of men who have claimed to have seen them. After researching them I want to say that Yetis are warm and cuddly but do not try to hug a Yeti.... [tags: essays research papers]

Essay on Is the City of Atlantis a Myth or Real?
- Believed to be literally swallowed by the sea, Atlantis is a mysterious, advanced society that seems to have just vanished. Although some say Atlantis is a myth, there is reliable proof that Atlantis is a myth, there is reliable proof that Atlantis really did exist, and is more than just a myth. The idea of this “vanishing city” first came from Plato, who began discussing this legendary civilization in 355 B.C. Atlantis was a powerful and somewhat greedy civilization established by Poseidon (the god of the sea).... [tags: location, destruction, phycisal evidence]

Human Evolution: Myth or Fact Essay example
- The debate of human evolution being fact or fiction has been around for hundreds of years. Evidence of human ancestry has been found in many parts of the world and these fossils found have been proven to be human. The parts of the world include Eurasia and Africa. Although fossils are found in Eurasia, the human ancestor the Hominoidea has been traced back to the Miocene epochs, which were 23 to 5 million years ago. The Hominoidea is a super-family, which contains many species that are existent today including, gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzee, and humans.... [tags: hominid species, fossils]:: 4 Works Cited

Essay on Human Evolution Myth or Fact
- The debate of human evolution being fact or fiction has been around for hundreds of years. Evidence of human ancestry has been found in many parts of the world and these fossils found have been proven to be human. The parts of the world include Eurasia and Africa. Although fossils are found in Eurasia, the human ancestor the Hominoidea has been traced back to the Miocene epochs, which were 23 to 5 million years ago. The Hominoidea is a super-family, which contains many species that are existent today including: gibbons, orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzee, and humans.... [tags: hominids, genetics]:: 4 Works Cited

The Myth of a Classless America Essay
- The Myth of a Classless America The myth of a "classless" American society coupled with social stratification impedes race relations in the U.S. far more than any racial differences. The never ending struggle of the "have-nots" to become one of the "haves" produces a frustration and feeling of oppression that acts as a catalyst for spawning racial tensions. Minorities see the majority of wealth in the hands of the white population and feel that the wealth is unevenly distributed. Whites hear of government programs for minorities and feel as if they are lazy or just looking for a handout.... [tags: Wealth Society Culture Racism Essays]:: 2 Works Cited

Essay about The Matrix Hero Myth
- The Matrix Hero Myth Hollywood is the production machine that continues to bombard America with its action-packed hero movies. The Matrix stars Keanu Reeves as a prime example of the larger than life Hollywood hero whose explosive screen acting and dumb luck turn the lead character into this hero, who tantalizes American audiences. The storyline of the movie throws audiences immediately into the mystery behind “the matrix” from an objective person’s perspective. Neo, or Mr. Anderson as the evil Agents call him, is searching for an answer to a question he’s looked for all his life.... [tags: essays papers]